Windows 10: Can I upgrade to win11 after I've changed storage drives

I'd like to upgrade my Laptop to Windows 11 from Ver.10.But, I want to upgrade my storage first - from a 256gb M2 to 1TB.So I'll need to re-install Windows afterwards.My LT came with Windows 10 Professional installed and I've been getting notifications that I can upgrade to Windows 11.Can I actually do this? The 256GB is simply not enough.I have noted the product key.Should I re-install Windows 10 first then upgrade, or can I just install to Win11 straight away? using the same product key etcI hope that's clear.Thanks

:)

 

Win11 upgrade not coming

If you checked again my previous replies, you can see ASUS re-installed my new notebook a even newer Win10 Home installation. After this 2nd time installation, I only did these to the toy:

1. installed chrome
   
2. changed its display brightness
   
3. changed wallpaper
   

After your previous suggestion, the 1 month temp McAfee was gone.

I can't figure out why I can't upgrade to Win11 for such a new notebook. Newer notebook will come with Win11 natively

 

Can I still upgrade to Windows 11 if I change the storage drive, CPU, and motherboard?

My PC does not meet the minimum requirements to upgrade to Windows 11 (Pro). In order to accommodate this upgrade I've bought a new storage drive, CPU, and motherboard. The new drive is much faster than the other drives, so I'd like to use it to store Windows instead of the original drive.

• Is it possible to immediately activate Windows 11 after I install it on the new drive using an installation disk?
  
• In case activation isn't possible because I don't own Windows 11 yet, would it work if I installed Windows 10 first and then upgraded to Windows 11 instead?
  
• Or would it not activate either copy of Windows 10 or 11 because my PC isn't recognized as the original due to the changed parts?
  

I would very much appreciate any help or suggestions.

 

upgrading to win11

Hi

Welcome to Microsoft community.

Upgrading to Windows 11 from a system that originally did not have Secure Boot enabled can be a bit tricky, but it is possible without doing a clean install. Here are the steps you can follow to upgrade to Windows 11 by enabling Secure Boot and using a Windows 11 disk image:

Step 1: Backup Your Data

Before making any changes, ensure that you have a complete backup of your important files and data. This is crucial to prevent any data loss during the process.

Step 2: Check Secure Boot and UEFI Mode

1. Enter BIOS:
   
   • Restart your PC and press the BIOS key (usually Delete, F2, or F10) to enter the BIOS setup.
     
2. Enable UEFI Mode:
   
   • In the BIOS, find the Boot menu.
     
   • Ensure that the boot mode is set to UEFI. If it’s set to Legacy, change it to UEFI.
     
3. Enable Secure Boot:
   
   • In the BIOS, navigate to the Secure Boot section.
     
   • Enable Secure Boot.
     
   • Disclaimer: Microsoft provides no assurances and/or warranties, implied or otherwise, and is not responsible for the information you receive from the third-party linked sites or any support related to technology.
     
     If you are going to modify BIOS Settings, please back up all your personal files first to ensure you do not lose data.
     

Step 3: Fix Boot Configuration Data (BCD)

After enabling Secure Boot, you might need to update your Boot Configuration Data (BCD) to ensure your system can boot correctly:

1. Create a Windows 11 Installation Media:
   
   • Download the Windows 11 Installation Media from the official Microsoft website.
     
   • Create a bootable USB drive using the tool provided.
     
2. Boot from Installation Media:
   
   • Insert the USB drive into your PC and restart.
     
   • Boot from the USB drive by selecting it in the BIOS boot menu.
     
3. Repair the Boot Configuration:
   
   • Once the Windows Setup screen appears, select Repair your computer at the bottom left corner.
     
   • Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
     
   • In the Command Prompt, type the following commands to fix the BCD:
     
     
   • Close the Command Prompt and restart your PC. Ensure it boots into Windows.
     

Step 4: Upgrade to Windows 11

1. Run Windows 11 Setup:
   
   • After booting into Windows, insert the Windows 11 installation media (USB drive) if it's not already inserted.
     
   • Open File Explorer and navigate to the USB drive.
     
   • Run setup.exe from the USB drive.
     
2. Follow the Upgrade Process:
   
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to upgrade to Windows 11.
     
   • Choose the option to keep your files and apps when prompted.
     

Step 5: Verify Secure Boot and Windows 11 Installation

1. Check Secure Boot:
   
   • After the upgrade, go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Restart now under Advanced startup.
     
   • In the boot menu, select UEFI Firmware Settings and check that Secure Boot is still enabled.
     
2. Verify Windows 11 Installation:
   
   • After rebooting into Windows 11, go to Settings > System > About to verify that Windows 11 is installed.
     

If you encounter any issues during the process, feel free to ask for further assistance.

Best regards

Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist